Racine: Phaedra

144
ARISTOPHANES
NiciAS [formally and precisely].—Make the libation first, and
drink this cup
To the good Genius.
Demosthenes [respiring after a long draught]. —O most
worthy Genius
Good Genius ! 'tis your genius that inspires me
[Demosthenes remains in a sort of drunken burlesque ecstasy.
NiciAS.—Why, what's the matter?
Demosthenes.— I'm inspired to tell you.
That you must steal the Paphlagonian's oracles
Whilst he's asleep.
NiciAS. Oh dear then, I'm afraid,
This Genius will turn out my evil Genius.
[Exit Nicias.
Demosthenes.—Come, I must meditate, and consult my
pitcher
And moisten my understanding a little more.
[The interval of Nicias's absence is occupied by action in dumb
show: Demosthenes is enjoying himself and getting
drunk in private.
Nicias [re-entering with a packet].—How fast asleep the
Paphlagonian was!
Lord bless me, how mortally he snored and stank.
However, I've contrived to carry it off.
The sacred oracle that he kept so secret
I've stolen it from him.
Demosthenes [very drunk].—That's my clever fellow!
Here give us hold ; I must read 'em. Fill me a bumper.
In the meanwhile—make haste now. Let me see now
What have we got ?—What are they—these same papers ?
Oh ! oracles ! . . . o—ra—cles !—Fill me a stoup of
wine.
Nicias [fidgeting and impatient after giving him the wine].—
Come ! come ! what says the O 'acle ?
Demosthenes.— Fill it again!
Nicias.—Does the Oracle say, that I must fill it again ?
Demosthenes [after tumbling over the papers with a hiccup].
O Bakis !
Nicias.— What?
• Demosthenes's articulation of this word is assisted by a hiccup.